The Odyssey Homer’s epic poem

Taking Notes n Use formal outline format! n Major headings will be noted by **** as a hint. n You will be graded on your notes!

I am part of all that I have met; Yet all experience is an arch wherethro' Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades For ever and for ever when I move." [Tennyson ] n Ulysses

Notes, cont. n Write only essential information; use fragments n Don’t worry about balance; you may have a, b, and c in one section and only have an a and b in the next section.

*****Epic Poetry n Long narrative poem that tells about the adventures of heroes who in some way embody the values of their civilizations. n 11, 300 lines long

What is narrative poetry? n “Narrative” poetry is poetry that tells a story

Other epics? n The Iliad by Homer n The Aeneid by Virgil n Beowulf n James Joyce’s Ulysses is a modern epic

*** Characteristics of the Epic n Traditionally begins in medias res, in the middle of things n Is divided into books (rather than chapters or scenes)

Characteristics, cont. n Involves supernatural elements, usually gods n Provides archetypal characters (the Hero, the Son, the Wife)

What are archetypes? n The recurring patterns of characters, symbols, and plots found in various stories, myths, and religions are called archetypes. n Jung first to use the term

Examples of archetypes n Character Types: Hero, Temptress, Mother, Devil, Traitor, Wise Man (old) n Symbols: apple, star (heavenly sign), snake, black, white, red, flood, swords, etc. n Plots: journey, quest, fall, etc.

What is the purpose of an archetype? n To tap into the subconscious of the reader; Jung argues everyone has same fears and joys, etc.

What is a hero? n Heroes emerge when a society’s basic values and hopes have been jeopardized (think 9/11 and firefighters).

EPIC HERO? n What the purpose of a hero? n Hint: Look at definition of hero

Epic Hero (defined) n By definition, an epic hero works to preserve his/her society’s cultural values.

**** Homer n Lived somewhere in Greece in the 8th century B.C. n Tradition says he was blind

***Background n Odyssey relates incidents that happened about 1200 B.C. (written in 8th century B.C.)

Background, cont. n The Trojan war lasted ten years. n Odysseus has been wandering for ten years. n He offended Poseidon.

Background n Odysseus is King of Ithaca n Each part of Greece had its own king n Readers would already know the story

***Literary terms to know n Homeric simile: (extended comparison) n A Homeric simile is one that compares heroic events to everyday occurrences

n Homer explains a god’s actions in human terms. For example, Athena often acts like a mother.

Literary terms, cont n Mood of poem: grim; melancholy n Disillusionment (post-war) n In medias res

Literary terms, cont n Alter-ego: the gods often reflect humans (same traits) n Flashback: The Odyssey is not told in chronological order. See page 650.

Literary terms, cont. n Rhapsodies: u “Singers of tales” u Historians and entertainers who composed myths for entertainment purposes. u Told poems verbally

Characters*** n Greeks sometimes called the Achaeans or Argives

Characters*** n Penelope: archetypal wife u Cousin to Helen of Troy n Telemachus: son u He is an infant when O. leaves for Troy

Characters*** n Athena- O’s patron goddess n Posiedon- O’s enemy n Teiresias- a blind prophet n A full list is on page 647

Works Cited n Lemming, David William. “The Odyssey.” Elements of Literature: Third Course. Eds. Richard Simes et al. New York: Rinehart, Holt, and Winston,